My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at the cake with

cake is

and a paper plate, preparing to

of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday.

to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss Rachel

the

must close her eyes and make a

must blow out the

shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go to

unison. The delicate

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

your heart and not out

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking up

the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the

thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

children raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers

the light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled

building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about anything

might as well pretend it never

upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder

turned and headed

she was inside her apartment and about

was propped open by a

Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more grotesque by the centipede-like scar on

out on business?

himself, he slid sideways into the house and shut

“I see you’ve been getting along fine

took two steps back. Why

as he pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the couch.

he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want

step he approached her, forcing her back inch

Rachel had no idea what she did

pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged